Licence to drive

There are four stages in getting a licence to drive a car in the ACT:

1. Pre-learner

Age: Before 15 yrs 9 mths

Before you are old enough to drive a vehicle you can learn to 'co-pilot' a car as a passenger with a parent or supervising driver. This enables you to become aware of the road environment and the complexity of driving.

2. Learner driver licence

Age: At least 15 yrs 9 mths

To get a learner licence you must successfully complete a Road Ready program in Year 10 at school or through a Road Ready Centre. You must then pass a computer based Road Rules Knowledge Test.

3. Learning to drive

Age: From 15 yrs 9 mths to 17 yrs

During the learner licence period of up to 2 years, you are encouraged to work together with professional driving instructors and parents/supervising drivers to ensure that you gain plenty of experience.

4. Provisional driver licence

Age: At least 17 yrs

There are two ways to get a provisional licence either by taking a practical driving test or by using the logbook scheme. You are on provisional licence for 3 years and must display "P" plates for this period, unless you complete the Road Ready Plus (P..off) course you also get an additional 4 demerit points allowance if you do this course.